Analytic vs. Systemic Approaches

The analytic and the systemic approaches are more complementary than
opposed, yet neither one is reducible to the other.

The analytic approach seeks to reduce a system to its elementary elements
in order to study in detail and understand the types of interaction that
exist between them. By modifying one variable at a time, it tries to infer
general laws that will enable one to predict the properties of a system
under very different conditions. To make this prediction possible, the
laws of the additivity of elementary properties must be invoked. This is
the case in homogeneous systems, those composed of similar elements and
having weak interactions among them. Here the laws of statistics readily
apply, enabling one to understand the behavior of the multitude-of disorganized
complexity.

The laws of the additivity of elementary properties do not apply in
highly complex systems composed of a large diversity of elements linked
together by strong interactions. These systems must be approached by
new methods such as those which the systemic approach groups together.
The purpose of the new methods is to consider a system in its totality,
its complexity, and its own dynamics Through simulation one
can "animate" a system and observe in real time the effects of
the different kinds of interactions among its elements. The study of this
behavior leads in time to the determination of rules that can modify the
system or design other systems.

The following table compares, one by one, the traits of the two approaches.

Analytic Approach

Systemic Approach

isolates, then concentrates on the elements

unifies and concentrates on the interaction between elements

studies the nature of interaction

studies the effects of interactions

emphasizes the precision of details

emphasizes global perception

modifies one variable at a time

modifies groups of variables simultaneously

remains independent of duration of time; the phenomena considered are
reversible.

integrates duration of time and irreversibility

validates facts by means of experimental proof within the body of a
theory

validates facts through comparison of the behavior of the model with
reality

uses precise and detailed models that are less useful in actual operation
(example: econometric models)

uses models that are insufficiently rigorous to be used as bases of
knowledge but are useful in decision and action (example: models of the
Club of Rome)

has an efficient approach when interactions are linear and weak

has an efficient approach when interactions are nonlinear and strong

leads to discipline-oriented (juxtadisciplinary) education

leads to multidisciplinary education

leads to action programmed in detail

leads to action through objectives

possesses knowledge of details poorly defined goals

possesses knowledge of goals, fuzzy details

This table, while useful in its simplicity, is nevertheless a caricature
of reality. The presentation is excessively dualist; it confines thought
to an alternative from which it seems difficult to escape. Numerous other
points of comparison deserve to be mentioned. Yet without being exhaustive
the table has the advantage of effectively opposing the two complementary
approaches, one of which-the analytic approach-has been favored disproportionately
in our educational system.